December 2019

The question I’ve heard most over this past week among members was, “are you ready for the holiday?” And very frequently the answer was something along the lines of, “no, not at all,” or “I’m so stressed,” or “I’ve been so busy.” It’s kind of sad how what is supposed to be a time of joy and enjoying time with friends and family can turn into what seems like endless weeks of pressure, stress and drama.

So, as we go into what is likely one of the busiest weeks of the year, here are some ideas on ways to decompress, de-stress and keep your sanity.

When I talk to members about their health and fitness goals and struggles, one of the things I hear so frequently is how difficult it can be to stay on track this time of year. The holiday season is full of social gatherings, work events, family dinners and other occasions where food and drinks are the main attraction. And, more often than not, broccoli and cauliflower aren’t on the menu.

But, as you know if you’ve read other newsletters, I’m not one to preach deprivation. I’m not an advocate for restrictive diets that severely limit the foods you can enjoy. Instead, I’m all for enjoying everything in moderation. One easy way to keep yourself in check this holiday season is to follow the 80/20 rule. It’s simple, make sure 80% of the food and beverage choices you make are healthy and smart. This leaves the other 20% for fun and indulgent choices. It’s also helpful to make a list of your top 3 favorite holiday treats and commit to having just those. Why waste calories on things you don’t absolutely love anyway?

Here are a few other tips to help you through your holiday social circuit: